Michael Cammalleri awarded the Jean Béliveau Trophy

MONTREAL – The recipient of the Jean Béliveau trophy for the 2010-11 season will be honored during a ceremony prior to the game between the Boston Bruins and the Montreal Canadiens on Monday at the Bell Centre. The Canadiens legend Jean Béliveau will be presenting the award to Canadiens forward Michael Cammalleri for his charitable endeavors and community involvement.

The selection committee, comprised of members of the Board of directors of the Montreal Canadiens Children’s Foundation, evaluated the candidates based on the effort, enthusiasm, involvement and time invested in collective and personal initiatives. Candidates were also assessed on their commitment, leadership and financial support to the causes close to their heart.

The commitment of Michael Camalleri and his spouse Jennifer to the community and particularly to the kids has been part of his involvement ever since he joined the Montreal Canadiens’ organization in 2009. A thoughtful man with solid values, Michael has been a strong proponent of Cammy’s Heroes, in fact he was the one behind the idea of paying tribute to the men and women in the Forces who risk their lives while making sure the world is a better and safer place. Through this personal initiative that provides tickets for Quebec soldiers and members of the Canadian Forces to attend a Canadiens game at the Bell Centre, Michael’s guests have an opportunity to meet with Michael for a few moments prior to the game and receive a few souvenirs of their visit.

Michael, who became a father for the first time over the summer, has been actively involved with children since he first joined the NHL. A regular participant in the Foundation’s initiatives, he also supports a number of charities, including the Starlight Children’s Foundation each of the last two years. He also makes himself available for the Just For Kids Foundation which supports the Montreal Children’s Hospital, and World Vision as well as the Burgundy Brick Foundation, helping it raise funds towards buildings apartments for underprivileged families. The man who scored the 20,000th goal in the history of the Canadiens is very dedicated when it comes to lending a helping hand to the Canadiens Children’s Foundation. He’s there to greet fans and donors at the team’s annual Blood Drive, the Festifan and, of course, the annual visits to the children’s hospitals. Michael was also the spokesperson for the lottery of the Canadiens Foundation and for the second edition of the team’s Radio Telethon.

The Jean Béliveau trophy is awarded annually to the Canadiens player who best exemplifies leadership qualities in the community. In honor of Jean Béliveau’s loyalty, consideration and commitment to the community, the award is accompanied by a $25,000 donation from the Montreal Canadiens Children’s Foundation which Michael will remit to the charity of his choice.

The Montreal Canadiens are proud to contribute to Montreal and Quebec’s heritage not only through their on-ice accomplishments, but also their commitment to the community. Accessibility, authenticity, generosity, commitment and team spirit are the values cherished by all members of the organization as they unite their efforts to make a difference for the present and the future.